Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker also confirmed that the heavyweight bout is a go. “Heavy Artillery” takes place at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, which played host to “Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields” this past June.

The former UFC heavyweight champion came down with staph infection while training at multiple gyms in Las Vegas. According to Elizabeth Randleman, his clearance to fight was delayed when he was prescribed medication to treat the illness. Fearing the drugs could produce a positive result in a drug test, she consulted the Missouri State Athletic Commission, which oversees next Saturday’s event.

The commission allowed him to use the medication, which green-lighted the fight, she said.

Kevin Randleman, 38, fought most recently in World Victory Road’s Sengoku event series, where he lost a split decision to Stanislav Nedkov this past November. It was his second consecutive setback after a decision loss to Mike Whitehead in his Strikeforce debut at “Lawler vs. Shields” this past June.

A former NCAA Division I wrestling champion, Randleman defeated Pete Williams for the UFC heavyweight title in November 1999 and defended the belt against Pedro Rizzo before relinquishing the strap to Randy Couture one year later at UFC 28.

Gracie (2-0 MMA, 0-0 SF), a 2007 ADCC champion, makes his Strikeforce debut after a two-year layoff from MMA. Most recently, he submitted veteran Yuki Kondo at Sengoku Second Battle in May 2008.